Tag Archives: Christmas dessert recipes

Grandpa P.O.’s Nog! – Eggnog

Posted on by October 26, 2014

This Grandpa P.O.’s Nog! – Eggnog is the real deal. Grandfather Peter Olaf Peterson’s recipe. Raw eggs. Real cream. 100 proof wild turkey. It’s not good for you. It might even be considered toxic. I make it once a year. Did I mention it’s amazing? Definitely make a little more than you need, because my Leftover Nog Swedish pancakes are mindblowing. Just sayin’. Grandpa P.O.’s Nog! – Eggnog is the only recipe I have from a grandfather, but fortunately, it’s the most important one. 1 qt Wild Turkey (100 proof) straight out of the freezer 1 qt whole milk 1 qt heavy cream 1 dozen eggs 2 cups sugar; divided Freshly grated nutmeg as garnish A party- because this is a serious quantity- in fact, if you don’t have a really big bowl and a really big plastic pitcher, you might want to check out the notes below, or make the recipe in two batches. Start by separating the eggs. Put the yolks in the largest bowl you have. Add the whites directly into the mixer bowl. Add 1 cup of sugar to the yolks and beat until pale and fluffy.   It will truly become a very pale yellow … Continue reading →

Norwegian Almond Bars

Posted on by November 19, 2014

Close in time to making these Norwegian Almond Bars, my sister asked me to rank pistachios, cashews, peanuts and almonds in order of preference. I told her it was impossible, except that I knew peanuts were always last. Which is not to say I don’t like peanuts, I just like them less than the others. It’s impossible for me, because I like to use different nuts for different things. But the honest truth is that an almond shortage would probably hit me the hardest. So perhaps I have to admit I like almonds the most- maybe not when eating a simple snack- but definitely when it comes to cooking. The first step is always admitting you have a problem. And you already know all about mine. Almond desserts. So this week you’re getting two more, just in time for Christmas. For whatever reason, MANY Scandinavian desserts are all about almonds. I set out to do a little research, but I couldn’t find anything worth reporting as to why that is. Instead, I’ll just index some of my favorites, as evidence that I’m right: Princess cake (which is covered in marzipan), Almond cake, these Norwegian Almond Bars, and Danish Puffs. And … Continue reading →

Winter’s Eve Mice Cookies

Posted on by October 26, 2014

While it’s true that there are lots and lots of cookies already hanging around in offices and lounges everywhere, I promise you’re going to need to make one more recipe, these Winter’s Eve Mice Cookies. Because they are the cutest cookies EVER. It doesn’t hurt that they’re also really delicious. It’s a fun cookie to bake ahead and then bring to a party unassembled. People get into working together to build the cookies. It’s fun to make an assembly line as the jobs naturally divide up. There’s a froster, a cherry dipper, a kiss placer, an ear maker and then of course, we all get to be the eaters. And if you’re so inclined, word on the street is that Santa really likes these Winter’s Eve Mice Cookies. Makes around 60 mice (I’ve subdivided the ingredients by element, so make sure you read the whole thing before you make your shopping list). Pecan shortbread cookies: 1 cup unsalted butter ½ cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 ¼ cups flour ¾ cup pecan pieces ½ teaspoon salt Beat the butter until soft and fluffy. Beat in salt and powdered sugar. Add in vanilla. Add in flour until fully incorporated. Finally … Continue reading →

Grasshopper Brownies

Posted on by December 4, 2014

Holiday sweets are on the menu here at Dirty Laundry Kitchen including Grasshopper Brownies, a family favorite. I know we all have lots of parties this month, which means hostess gifts, cookie shares, school cookies, and of course, cookies for Santa, if your family is into that sort of thing. Grasshopper Brownies is one of those recipes that my mom used to make when I was little, and of course we helped. Looking back, that is probably one of the many reasons that we made them almost every year. It’s a great cookie to include your kids in the making and decorating process, because Grasshopper Brownies are very straightforward, easy to make, and include simple decorations that come out well no matter who is in charge. The brownie recipe is plenty dense and chewy and as long as you keep the Grasshopper Brownies well-wrapped, they seem to age very well. The top layer of creamy mint frosting and chocolate glaze seal the moisture inside the brownies. Aside from storing well, you can make them in stages and do a little of the work each day, which also make this a great recipe for the busy holiday season. And gorgeous, have I … Continue reading →